Malakula Island

Looks like it is time to play catch up again. We are getting ready to leave Vanuatu so we are anchored off Beach House Resort on Espirito Santo Island where they welcome yachties and offer some services to make our lives a little more convenient including free wi-fi. Well, perhaps not entirely free, I have to buy a beer at the bar and then I can sit on their deck in the shade and go for a swim in the pool, pretty good deal if you ask me.

We have visited a couple different anchorages on Malakula Island and had a great time. Malakula was only a day sail away from Efate but totally different. There was pretty much no tourism, guess it has the unfortunate distinction of not having an active volcano, or maybe it is the fortunate distinction, time will tell. Malakula mainly consisted of farming with massive coconut plantations and various other crops. The town had a couple different shops but you had a hard time finding a cold drink and of course there is always a market where the locals sell fruits and vegetables for real cheap.

At the anchorage on south Malakula we got to see some Dugongs for the first time which was pretty cool, hard to get a picture of these guys but I will keep trying. We met lots of friendly locals and a highlight was having a couple potlatch dinners at Nanwood Bungalows in Port Stanley. The local owners have a few bungalows on the beach and a common dining bungalow with a small kitchen. It is a beautiful spot and for a unique experience I would recommend staying here. One night we were treated to octopus caught earlier that day and Seiorse’s boat brew beer is always welcome around a beach fire.

Before we leave for the Solomon Islands I will post some stories and pictures of our time on Santo which has been fantastic. Lots of cool spots and new friends, perhaps our favourite island in Vanuatu, until then, take care my friends.